from Long Island, New York

People who arent afraid to be themselves and who don't judge others for being themselves! Chill, laid-back, down to earth people who are not concerned with their image

What to do for fun

There is plenty to do in town which is right off of campus, whether that be the bars at night or grabbing lunch. The Rail Trail is a nature walk that runs next to campus, and if you have a car you can drive 20 minutes to Mohonk Mountain and Minnewaska State Park. The Poughkeepsie Mall is a half hour away. On campus, RAs host weekly programs and activities in the dorms.

Food and Dining

many vegan and vegetarian options are available across campus. Dining plans are flexible. It's definitely not high quality chef cooked meals, but I appreciate the variety and dietary accommodations

Dorm Life

Each res hall has a specific vibe, but all are clean and offer a safe and welcoming environment for incoming students! Most students stay on weekends and the campus is always bustling with people on warm days :)

Academic Rigor

All of the classes I've taken have been somewhat interesting and challenging, especially as you advance in your major. Most all professors I've had are always offering to meet in office hours for additional help. In addition, the Honors program provides challenging classes and a cohort of supportive students achieving academic success.

Tips for prospective students

get involved with as much as you can!!! New Paltz is one of the only SUNYs that offers a first year internship program on campus, which looks really good on resumes as well as to help decide your major. Become friendly with the Career Resource Center to be updated on internships/career opportunities. Take advantage of any and all opportunities that you find, because you never know what you can use for networking in the future!

Lilly - Alexander, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.
Reviewer has not been to campus.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

New Paltz is the most accepting community I have ever been a part of. People of all ethnicities/backgrounds/orientations are here in abundance. Students are comfortable enough to express their true selves without fear or judgement from other students and professors.

Campus Safety

Since New Paltz is a small town, I’ve always felt pretty safe. The university police are always around and there is a blue light in sight pretty much anywhere you stand on campus. New Paltz attracts the kind of people who are passionate about their future so I’ve never felt uncomfortable with anyone there.

Jenna

If you play an instrument, join the College Youth Symphony at SUNY New Paltz. It's a great time.

In three sentences

New Paltz is a great town, with lots of cool stuff nearby to do (hiking, camping, mountain climbing..) If you like the outdoors you will love it. The campus is a really short walk from the actual town which is nice.

kayla from bronx, ny

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

there are a ton of activities to do on campus. if you are into sports, there are a ton of sports to try at new paltz at the athletic center.if you are just looking for any activity to do around campus, there are always events happening at the student activities center.

Food and Dining

the food overall is not bad. they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner around around campus. there are various dinning halls you could choose from on campus.

Dorm Life

dorms come in doubles or triples. although some dorms do not provide ac for students, that would not be the least of your worries. dorms are very spacious and roommates could be chosen or selected randomly.

Academic Rigor

new paltz begins with classes that provide students with essential tools they need in order to go an have a successful career. from writing skills to professional development , new paltz offers a variety of classes in core categories such as humanities and natural science courses.

Tips for prospective students

have fun your first year. yes there are core classes that you must take but space them out, try new classes, and enjoy the various activities that they offer!

In three sentences

wonderful school! there curriculum for first time students gives students a jump start to what awaits them for the next four years. the campus is very serene and beautiful as well. the dorms are neat, proper, and the overall life at new paltz is awesome.

Plenty of activities and clubs to join, especially for those interested in alternatives to academics. Sport teams bring in crowds all the time.

Great for these types of students

Energetic, peaceful, liberal, open minded, inquisitive, small town oriented.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Center Pond is a fantastic place to relax. The Main Building is wonderful, playing pool with other students before doing homework is always fun.

Bang for the buck

Chosen by rating institutions as top college for value. New Paltz is a wise decision. Town life is relatively inexpensive compared to other places in NY.

What to do for fun

The town has many activities day and night within walking distance from the campus. Night life is full of offers for different preferences. Mostly a liberal crowd but even conservatives have their spaces.

Food and Dining

Institutional cafeterias have a wide variety of offerings all the time. Outside in the town there are enough specialty food establishments to keep anyone happy.

Dorm Life

There is enough to do in the institution to keep you busy. Dorms are clean and safe and there are friendly peers and staff available to help all the time.

Academic Rigor

Courses are rigorous while flexible, focusing on accomplishment of goals rather than timely compliance.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready for a stress reduced environment where all opinions count. Enjoy the scenery and the warmth of small town life day and night. Do not limit your diet to the student cafeteria, explore beyond!

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz has a very friendly learning community environment. Learning is centered around students and their needs. The academic programs reflect the realities of the workplace while encouraging critical thinking and professional mastery.

Emmitt from Bronx, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Campus safety is great! You will feel so protected here at New Paltz. To be completely honest, nothing wrong ever goes wrong here on campus. The police, if anything goes wrong, responds within the first minutes of a call. People are also the nicest here on campus. Your safety is 100% guaranteed here on campus. Being completely safe also helps maximizes your fun on campus too. You don't have to worry about any potential danger.

Greek Life

Greek life is prominent here on campus. They do a lot of community service and do other great things here on campus.

Bang for the buck

You most definitely get your bang for the buck. Tuition here is no where near as high as other SUNY's or private schools. Class sizes are relatively small. You get to know your classmates and the professors really well, which will help you in the long run.

What to do for fun

Here at SUNY New Paltz, fun is what you make it. You can join one of the hundreds of clubs here on campus. You can also go to the gym and work out or play basketball, ping pong, racquetball, e.t.c. There are intramural teams that you can join. There are always events happening on campus as well. The possibilities are endless. Just for fun, you can also go outside during the night and view the thousands of stars that illuminate the night time here at New Paltz. It is such an amazing sight. For students who are 21 and older, there are pubs in town and the night life here at New Paltz is amazing. You will definitely have a lot of stories to reminisce and laugh about.

Food and Dining

The food here at New Paltz is actually pretty great compared to other campuses. Besides the Hasbrouck Dining Hall, which is the main dining hall where students eat, there are other places on campus that serve delicious food. The Student Union Building (SUB) serves a lot of great food; it varies from fresh pizza, to sub sandwiches, sushi, indian food, starbucks, and so on. It is a great place eat and relax with friends. SUNY New Paltz also has a fantastic sandwich place called Ridgeview. You go and order your deli sandwich and it taste so good, you'll go back more than once trust me. The food is just not limited to on campus dining. The town is literally less than five minutes walking. In town there are a numerous amount of restaurants that serve extremely delicious food. You could choose from wings, chinese food, thai food, japanese food, indian food and the list goes on. If you are into fast food there is Burger King and McDonalds close by. There's also a 24 hour diner which serves the best food I've ever tasted. The food here at SUNY New Paltz and the town of New Paltz is very diverse and delicious.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at SUNY New Paltz is great! This is where you and your friends really bond. After all work is done and what not, it really is a peaceful environment to relax and have fun. People come by and visit you and relax with you. You can play a video game system with your roommate or a group of friends. Dorm life here is specifically great because that is where you create special bonds with the people you will consider friends for the future to come. I live in a 8 person suite now; my suite mates and I pass our time laughing and playing video games in the common area. If you are not use to living by yourself, you will soon feel extremely comfortable in your dorm and it is going to feel like you never left home.

Academic Rigor

Classes here at SUNY New Paltz make you think outside the box. They have a wide variety of possible majors, so you can really do whatever you desire here. The first year or two should be a bit challenging, but not too challenging because General Education (GE) courses, take up most of the workload. It depends on student to student ot be honest. Some come in being a business major already and some come in with no clue what they want to do with their future career. That is th beauty of the academic life here at New Paltz. I guarantee that some kind of life changing event will happen to students here that will determine what they want to do with their life. Professors have a huge role in this; there are a lot of down to earth professors who are incredibly smart and are very inspirational. You will be guided through your decisions and hopefully become the best individual that you could possibly be.

Tips for prospective students

Come to SUNY New Paltz with an open mind, just like I did. It is amazing how many great people you meet in such a short amount of time. If you think that you will come here and not make any friends or whatever, then you are wrong. Within the first weeks of classes, you already have a friend or two that you click with. Remember to have fun, but work harder. You will see how great of a campus New Paltz really is. You'll also fall in love with the town of New Paltz; so many great Dine-Ins and spots for delicious food. Everything goes hand in hand up here in New Paltz; it would be impossible not to find something that peaks your interest within a week of being here.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is the perfect environment for those who love the idea of being away from home, but close enough to give your family a visit. It is such a beautiful campus with astonishing views every time the season changes. Almost everyone you meet here is very generous and would go out of their way to help you out with whatever you need.

New Paltz, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The police are pretty scary and instill more fear than protection. Cops will give you tickets especially in vehicles for no reason. The campus overall is pretty safe however, with bluelights and well lite pathways.

Greek Life

Not so popular but does occur. I have friends in it that love it.

Clubs and Activities

There is always something going on. Clubs from literary magazines, outdoor sports, gaming, academic related, spiritual, volunteer oriented, drama arts and club sports available. There is always an activity, whether it be a lecture, movie screening, craft making, food giveaway, book signing, protest, or group of people to hang out and play Frisbee with.

Not having classes on Wednesday is one. Music students playing everywhere, feminists exerting energy and people spilling their pride over art designing art for every inch of view. Presentations on politics and rallying or protests go on. Photographers capture the culture. Great locations include the pond and old main quad.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is cheap, and you can get more out of it if you use all the facilities on campus. Apply for research, get grants, be a Lab proctor, get free software trials. Get free food at clubs, attend workshops and lectures by renowned speakers, writers, professors and artists.

What to do for fun

Travel locally- enjoy the Catskills! Take hikes, go skiing, boarding, climbing, biking, at Lake Minnewaska, Hunter and Windham Mountains, Mohonk Preserve, and more. Skateboard at local parks and on campus. Go shopping in the local village. Attend music shows by local bands at bars, cafe's, houses, or concert halls nearby. Attend festivals celebrating music, fruit, arts and crafts, poetry, vegetables, wine or holidays. Take a stroll to NYC with your friends. Attend clubs and design your life accordingly. Learn Yoga, meditation, and holistic mind-body healing. Go to the movies, the mall or just hang out with all the amazing friends you will meet!

Food and Dining

Food is good but could improve. Local movements such as the real food movement are being made to incorporate organic foods and vegan meals especially. Dining options are limited, as with hours of operation. Most foods are overpriced. There is a farmers market student run by Students for Sustainable Agriculture every Thursday which brings local farms, artists and bakers to sell commodities and food to students, probably the highlight of the week. There are small coffee shops in academic buildings.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is fun, I have had a double, a voluntary triple, and a 6 person suite. People spend time with friends across the halls and that is usually when people meet their best friends in freshman year. There are student activities all the time. Some dorms are nicer than others. There is a nice variety on location, room style and quality of life. Furniture is provided and most buildings come with recreation areas, computer labs and a small kitchen.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor depends on one's major. I am currently taking 18 credits with 7 classes and it is extremely rough. The readings i have take me hours and note-taking does the same. To right a proper essay is a difficult task, most professors are tough graders. Tests for science classes are really difficult but if you study a lot you're good. Some classes are less rigorous, but it also depends on your time management skills and study ethics. It's always best to pay attention in class. Professors are willing to help out students when needed and there is research assistance in the library if needed.

Tips for prospective students

Write an interesting personal essay. Stay on top of your studies. Learn to live and be an active community member. Get involved with something you love, whether that range from science to ceramics to film making to reading groups or map-making. Trust your intuition and breathe deeply when stressed. Motivation and belief will take you places. So believe in yourself, reflect on your thoughts and think intuitively. Your mind is your best tool. Be kind and accepting to all that you meet for appearance is deceiving. Share smiles. Eat healthy, read lots and keep up with current events.

In three sentences

New Paltz is a fun, living learning and creative environment that advocates student growth in all qualities of life. New Paltz is accepting, faulty is respectful, students are friendly and willing to meet others. Schoolwork can be rigorous at times but experimental and intriguing at others.

Jeremy from New York, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Clubs and Activities

There are over 100 clubs and activities to choose from and it is easy to start your own club!

Bang for the buck

I would say that this school has a great bang for its buck. The tuition is very low compared to a lot of other schools in New York, and the fact that most classes are 20-30 students just makes it easier to learn and have more interactive classes.

What to do for fun

New Paltz hosts a number of weekly events, and first year students get a list of all the events happening, along with the time and place it is happening, emailed to them every week! For Friday and Saturday nights, there are a lot of bars and restaurants to go to. If you're not a drinker (or if you're underage) you can always go to the local cinema with friends and watch the latest movies for only 5$!

Food and Dining

The food in the dining hall is not the best, but the food outside campus and in the town of New Paltz is amazing! There is a wide variety of restaurants to eat from all in a very convenient proximity. If you're in the mood for some Asian food, then stop by Asian Fusion or China House and pick yourself up some dumplings or sushi. If you want Spanish food, visit Taco Shack or Pasquales. Indian? African? American? They've got stores for those too! It is a very nice town with a lot to choose from. You will never get tired of the food in town.

Academic Rigor

The classes at SUNY New Paltz can be very rigorous, however, you do feel like you learned something at the end of the day. I especially like the classes at SUNY New Paltz because there are a lot of classes that challenge you to think outside the box, whether it be an art class, an English class, or even a business class.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend prospective students to choose a living hall near their classes, because it gets really cold in New Paltz. I would not recommend taking more than 16 credits in the first semester, because there are a lot of rigorous courses, even for a first year student. When it comes to meeting people or making friends, I would recommend the FYI program. The FYI program is basically a program that allows first year students to live in one of the bigger halls (Esopus hall) and attend the same classes as their hall mates. This allows the creation of strong friendships and they help break people out of their shell and be more social. It is a great opportunity for those who are uneasy about the whole college transition and making new friends.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is a very diverse and open school. Most students get along and it feels like the entire student body is one big family. It is easy to make friends and to find people who are interested in just about anything, if you are someone who wants to start a business, a band, a fundraiser, or whatever random idea it may be, there will always be someone who will support you.

Tiffany from Mount Sinai, NY

We have the blue light system which is located near every building and with some near side walks and stuff. It is also a pretty lit campus too.

Greek Life

It is not that noticeable, but I do see some people walking around with their house shirt on.

Clubs and Activities

There isn't as much clubs as I thought there were going to be. The most popular clubs would be american red cross and Human vs. Zombies (from my point of view). Not many people stick to the clubs that they sign up for. There was a huge difference with the amount of members who showed up on the first day with current meeting days. Some clubs that were listed on the sheet from orientation and on the school organizer were not in during the club fair. There are a lot of activities that occur for first years on friday nights. There are also free zumba and cardio hiphop classes that are offered in the gym. The gym is also free to use and it also has a pool. They also have a movie night once a month in the lecture center with some newly released movies.

Great for these types of students

Hippies is the main stereotype for this school

Bang for the buck

Tuition no matter what will keep on increasing each year. The meal plan is pretty stupid.

What to do for fun

There are events that go on during the first week of school, but they tend to die down up until clubs start to occur. The club fair occurs about 3 weeks into the school year (which sucks). Going into town can be fun from time to time and is a walking distance away from the old main building and Shango (one of the dorms). It's about a 25 min walk from Esopus into town which isn't bad at all. There is a cafe with an open mic night every monday and there are also little stores/bakeries that you could visit that are pretty good.

Food and Dining

There is not as much variety with the food at Has. It would get repetitive after a week or so. They try to have themed food events ever so often. There are more food options at the student union building where you could get sushi or pizza. There is also a Starbucks there. I heard that the dorm that is currently being built will have a dinning hall attached to it.

Dorm Life

It really depends on where you live. I live in Esopus and it is one of the newer dorms so there is air conditioning. Just a warning though, if you apply after a certain date as a first year you might have to dorm in a triple since there is not a lot of room to accommodate everyone. The date cutoff varies from year to year, but you are able to switch out after 2 weeks if you dread living in a triple that badly. You also would get a refund check if you stay for the full semester in a triple so that is not that bad. In Esopus each floor has 2 mini study rooms on each wing. They smell dusty though. There are a lot of events that go on in Esopus that RA's come up. For example there was a how to make your own Henna day, how to write a resume, create your own mug day, etc. Other dorms don't really have as many events as Esopus, but each dorm encourages everyone to join their event even if you don't dorm there. We also have a kitchen that has a low watt microwave, a stove with a oven attached to it, and it also has sitting. The laundry room is also right next to the kitchen with a little waiting area for you to wait for your laundry and do work in.

Academic Rigor

Most classes are kept small depending on where your class is. If it's in the lecture center your class could range from 200-45 people. If you have a class in the CSB building in one of the classroom it is about the same size as a regular high school class maybe even less (I have about 20 student in my current class). The work load is not that hard depending on who you have as a teacher, but if you are taking a language the work load may seem like a lot, but it is doable.

Tips for prospective students

If you are going to be a first year, I recommend joining FYI. I personally haven't joined, but I live in the same dorm (Esopus, one of the newer dorms with air con) and it is very friendly atmosphere. I also have friends in FYI who enjoy it very much and their is a lot of interactions within the FYI community that helps with your transition from high school to college.

In three sentences

It is a nice medium size campus and is surrounded by nature. The Dinning Hall food is average;I wish there was more variety. Most dorms do not have air conditioning unless it is one of the newer built dorms

Niki from Pine Bush, NY

There have been several shootings on or around campus since I started there a year ago. All have been people who were visiting other students. Students have overdosed on campus...

Clubs and Activities

Plenty of options! And at the cost of all the other students, whether they participate or not!

Bang for the buck

For the price, you will get a pretty good education.

Food and Dining

I have heard nothing but terrible things about the food... But I have never purchased any of it.

Dorm Life

IDK I don't live on campus

Academic Rigor

It is definitely challenging enough. There is also an honors program that is even more challenging.

Tips for prospective students

DON'T COMMUTE!!! It is a pain! Live on campus or within walking distance.

In three sentences

If you are a commuter student, especially if you have a family of your own, this school is NOT going to make any effort to accommodate you! The teachers might, depending upon who you get. If you are going back to school, don't go here!

Jay T

There are a lot of options for Greek life. You can choose between white, latino, and black organizations.

Bang for the buck

Great deal. Tuition is cheap for a great education and college experience.

What to do for fun

There are many clubs and organizations you can join. During the warmer months there are activities and games sponsored by the campus which you can be apart of.

Food and Dining

Food is not the best on campus but there are a lot of great restaurants in town that offer delicious alternatives.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is fun and its a great way to meet new people and have wonderful memories. There are few residence halls that are new and some are being renovated and there is one that is currently being constructed.

Academic Rigor

Most professors are helpful. Class size is generally small which is good for participating in class and getting to know your classmates and professors.

Tips for prospective students

Attend open houses and tours if you can. It will benefit you if you are considering attending.

In three sentences

This school is very good academically and socially. Most students here are open minded and friendly. There is a diverse student body and many clubs and organizations.

Kaitlyn from Pleasant Valley, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I walk home at night, sometimes at 4 in the morning because was doing art or coming home from a party. I have always felt safe on campus. We have police patrols, a blue light safety system with 247 call boxes placed around campus. If you ever feel scared walking home at night, you can call the university police and they will escort you home. SUNY New Paltz has a well lit campus and a relatively low crime rate. We also have self defense classes that go on throughout the year and just added martial arts classes this semester.

Greek Life

We have quite a few fraternities and sororities on campus. The associations like to organize parties and one fraternity even had a build-a-bear party on campus.

Clubs and Activities

New Paltz has an amazing variety of clubs. We have academic clubs, clubs based on major, fun clubs, athletic associations and classes, and Greek life. We even have a Doctor Who club here.

Great for these types of students

Every type, there is something for everyone here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a guy on campus who is somewhat of a legend. He is called boom box guy because he rides around on a bike with a boom box sitting on his shoulder blasting music.

Bang for the buck

This is a great school for a great price.

What to do for fun

We have free movie nights every month and tons of events on and off camps. We have theater shows and have famous artists come and talk to us. We have quidditch tournaments, yule balls, cosplay conventions and video game nights. We also have tons of 'get fit' events and 'stress free' days where they bring bouncy houses and puppies on campus. We have a plethora of clubs and organizations and have something for everyone. We also have events inside our residence halls like baking cookies, arts and craft nights, and dance nights.

Food and Dining

The dining hall food is great with a vegan, pizza, burger, salad, fruit, ice cream, and pasta station and a grill. We also have a bakery and there and another dining establishment right downstairs. New Paltz has a food court with sushi, burgers, Mexican food, pizza, and a salad bar. We also have two Starbucks on campus and one fine dining restaurant. We also have tons of options off campus with numerous pizza places and a gluten free pasta place.

Dorm Life

Every residence hall is its own little community with people always stopping by to say hi. Each residence hall has its own events which include a lot of baking, movies, dancing, arts and crafts and even some formal parties. I live in Lenape hall and am very satisfied with my experience there. The hall is in very good condition with plenty of lounges, a kitchen, computer lab, and a fitness center.

Academic Rigor

My courses are very challenging, but are manageable. The professors here are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.

Tips for prospective students

Be yourself and join clubs that interest you, New Paltz has tons to choose from. Don't be afraid to go out and meet new people or try new things, make the most of your college years.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz has a beautiful campus and some of the friendliest students you will ever meet. Our art program is amazing and we have tons of evens on and off campus. The professors are helpful and the advisors are always available if you need someone to talk to.

Lisa from Fishkill, NY

Police not just security guards are located right on campus. Ongoing updates are provided from the college about any safety incidents or threats. College has a very open communication policy.

Clubs and Activities

Numerous clubs to participate in.

Bang for the buck

The opportunities for learning and obtaining experience in a field are great for the price.

Food and Dining

Food is okay with lots of choices in local village as well. Lots of options for vegetarians.

Dorm Life

I am a commuter so I do not know about dorm life.

Academic Rigor

Professors have high expectations but they are not unreasonable.

Tips for prospective students

Make it a point to meet with your professors during office hours so they get to know you.

In three sentences

The programs and classes offered are great for the price. Most professors take a genuine interest in their students with lots of opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. The campus is very nice and the student body is accepting.

Ronald from Sagaponack, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Great Night Life. Tons of bars, plenty of restaurants, scenic trails, and enough clubs for everyone.

Dorm Life

There is a place for everyone from corridors to suites. Residential buildings are found near to town, next to classes or in front of the cafeteria, which can be very convenient in the winter. The RA's are open friendly and diverse. The dorm life is a great way to be exposed to different people and is a great learning environment.

Academic Rigor

Great english and french language departments the professors strive to improve your writing skills. The professors are open and easy to reach. Every class is a learning environment. Each class varies in teaching style from seating in circles, open class conversations, to serious small or auditorium classes.

Meghan from Ulster Park, NY

There are always security guards milling around and a network of emergency call boxes that students are taught to use

Greek Life

I am not involved but there are many academic frats and only 2 or 3 part frats

Clubs and Activities

over 300 clubs and there are always more forming

Great for these types of students

Art students, very liberal atmosphere

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are a lot of ducks and there are always people feeding the ducks. Also a conspiracy theory that the modern shape of our logo is a duck foot.

Bang for the buck

SUNY New Paltz has made top ten on lists about payback on majors.

What to do for fun

Explore the college town, see the many acapella groups perform, there are parties every weekend you want to go out.

Food and Dining

Its pretty good as far as college food goes.

Dorm Life

Many dorm options.

Academic Rigor

Teachers are reasonable, but a lot of effort needs to be put in to deserve an A.

Tips for prospective students

Go to an early orientation.

In three sentences

The campus is located in a beautiful area full of hiking opportunities. All off the teachers I have are interested in discussion. There are tons of classes to choose despite the medium size of the school.

Emily from Bedford, NY

Blue light system and hotlines. Campus police are around but won't bother you if you're drunk or acting stupid unless they think you'll hurt someone or yourself.

Greek Life

Seems nonexistent because they don't act like jerks. But it's there!

Clubs and Activities

Dozens of clubs. If there isn't one that you like, you can make your own!

Great for these types of students

Quirky, fun, friendly people.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everyone has to experience the lemon squeeze. Its a hike on one of the local mountains. Lots of clubs offer free trips there. Also you are a legend if you swim through the gunk, which is a pond that divides the campus. I wouldn't swim through it though...

Bang for the buck

Low cost but a great education. I don't know why people don't come to SUNYs.

What to do for fun

So much! Hiking, shopping in town, looking at thrift shops, taking walks on the rail trail, going to an open mic, partying, going to the clubs and bars, and so many fun campus activities!

Food and Dining

Better than most, but I'm a foodie. I always bring food from home when I go back!

Dorm Life

Dorms need an upgrade, but they're big!

Academic Rigor

It's hard but not insane. I feel like I'm learning a lot. No easy A's!

Tips for prospective students

Study, do lots of extracurriculars, and be yourself!

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is the perfect college for me. I fit perfectly, and everyday I can walk through campus being myself and making friends along the way. I do well in school, and I'm challenged.

Rachel from Kingston, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Great for students who are into the arts, for hippies, new agers, laid back students. I don't think of SUNY New Paltz as a party school, but it's certainly a laid back school as far as the student population. Don't get me wrong--everyone at SUNY NP knows the feeling of stressing over midterms and finals, but the atmosphere of the school in general isn't one of stress and chronic workaholism.

What to do for fun

I actually live in another town, so don't hang out in New Paltz very often. Though I know that MacGullicuddy's and Cabaloosa's are favorites.

Food and Dining

Campus food is good, but expensive. There're three main places to get eats: the dining halls in the dorms, the Jazzman's Cafes located in the library and the Jacobson Faculty Tower, and the food court in the Student Union Building. Investigate what appeals most to your tastebudes and your wallet, and spend your Hawk Dollars wisely.

Dorm Life

I don't live in the dorms, so I can't really rate them. But my friends who do live there seem satisfied, overall.

Academic Rigor

Academically, the classes are generally challenging and interesting. The faculty is knowledgeable and seems to love what they do. Their instruction is thorough and covers a lot of ground.

Tips for prospective students

It's a bit of a sprawling campus, so you may want to bring a bike or skateboard with you, if you don't have a car or don't like walking. SUNY New Paltz is situated right in the town of New Paltz, which is an interesting town. It's not just a college town, either, so make the rounds of New Paltz early and often. Make friends.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is a wonderful school with a bright, engaging faculty and an eclectic mix of students. ALmost everyone I've met there, so far, has an upbeat, can-do attitude that is as inspiring as it is infectious. I wish I had begun my college career at this lovely, optimistic school.

Christina from Harrisburg, PA

Never once felt in danger. Small campus, always patrolled, and call boxes within short distance of anywhere you might be.

Great for these types of students

Artsy, poltical (liberal), outdoorsy

What to do for fun

Hiking, mountain climbing, just get out and enjoy nature. Go for a drive through the country and see all the small towns and local restaurants. 2 hours on the train to NYC. Of course, there are all the usual bars associated with college life as well.

Food and Dining

Decent food on campus, great food in town. Lot's of veg-friendly options.

Dorm Life

I didn't live on campus.

Academic Rigor

Don't have much basis for comparison, but I think the classes were appropriately rigorous for the levels. Of course, it depends a lot on the teacher. I worked hard but never felt like it was impossible.

Tips for prospective students

Some community colleges have an automatic acceptance policy into SUNY schools, so if you are looking to get your AA then transfer, it's definitely worth looking into.

In three sentences

Great university at a great price! Teachers are passionate about their fields, classes are fairly small. Great college town and lots of outdoor activities nearby!

D. Gilmore

Like every campus, there are dangers. Mostly those come from poor choices made while intoxicated. However, the campus police are vigilant in their duties and caring towards the students.

Greek Life

Pretty minimal. There are a few frats and sororities but they don't have an noticeably influential hand in campus life for the most part

Clubs and Activities

Clubs vary anywhere from hiking to LARP to debating and singing. The list is quite diverse and anyone can find at least one to join.

Great for these types of students

The more go with the flow you are the better however anyone will fit in here because that is the basic mindset of the students. We are a really laid back bunch.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are a few ponds on campus that the students fondly refer to as the gunks. These ponds are home to fish, some turtles, and flock of ducks. Every Spring, duckings hatch and it is always a big event on campus.

Bang for the buck

The school offers a good education for a fraction of private school costs.

What to do for fun

There are a lot of good clubs on campus and the town is really nice at anytime of the year. Also, the school is located right in the middle of the Catskills so there are many hiking, rock-climbing, biking and outdoor activity opportunities.

Food and Dining

The student union building offers decent food. it's pretty expensive but so is food anywhere else. The dining hall is less that gourmet, though, I suppose that is to be expect of a state facility.

Dorm Life

Asbestos aside, the dorm life is not bad. The buildings are clean and the people (as far as I have experienced) are more or less respectful of others, especially during stressful testing weeks.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on the class. Some teachers are very strict and rigorous in their coursework while others are very lax.

Tips for prospective students

It's a big hippie school with a lot of free love among other things. The good news is that you don't need to follow those belief to fit in and make friends. Everyone is accepted for whoever they might be.

In three sentences

It's an incredibly accepting school where anyone of any faith, sexual-orientation, gender-orientation, and style will find a place to fit in. Both students and staff are liberal in their thinking and that is apparent as one walks through campus and attends classes. There is a niche here for everyone.

Go up to the mountains and preserves, various clubs and activities, plenty of live music in town and shows on campus

Food and Dining

Fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms!

Academic Rigor

You will find people in your classes who can't keep up with the work and you will find classes that are a breeze.

Tips for prospective students

Check to hear feedback on professors before you register, if you can. Take advantage of all the welcoming clubs and enjoy the weather when you can.

In three sentences

A relaxed and comfortable atmosphere but the parties are there if you want them. There are challenging courses with great professors, but also easy-get-by ones, SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY!! A green, pretty campus that is not too big but not too small.

Alyssa from Briarcliff Manor, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus Safety is a great aspect of SUNY New Paltz. There is a police station located right on campus. The school also has a blue light system. There are multiple boles located around campus. If one were to ever feel threatened or in danger they can run to the pole and click a button, which will ignite a blue light and alert the campus police.

Greek Life

The Greek Life at SUNY New Paltz is very scarce. Sororities on campus are far more prevalent than fraternities. Though there are not many involved in the Greek Life, it is a great way to make friends and also do community service as well.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities. Some of them include, Dance Association, Culture Shock, Spanish Club, and Intramural Sports.

Great for these types of students

It is great for students who are academically motivated, but know how to have fun as well.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One unusual thing about the campus is the amount of hawks that are present on it. A lot of people will stand by the ponds to watch the progression of ducks that are born and raised throughout the semester.

Bang for the buck

All of the items on campus are fairly priced. The bookstore allows students to buy both inexpensive books supplies and clothing apparel. The bookstore also sells used rental books, which are as cheap as books that you can purchase off of Amazon.

What to do for fun

There are many on-campus and off-campus activities. Movies are constantly being shown on campus. There is also a dance club in town called Cabaloosa's.

Food and Dining

There are many food options on campus that are quick and easy to get to. Both vegetarian and vegan options are available at all dining facilities. The food is fairly priced and the meal-plans are very generous.

Dorm Life

The dorms at SUNY New Paltz are upheld greatly. They are clean and located all very close to one another. They make getting to class no hassel at all.

Academic Rigor

The academics at SUNY New Paltz are challenging, but manageable. I maintained a 3.5 GPA by studying and visiting the Writing Lab routinely. I advise students to visit not only the Writing Lab, but the Tutoring Center as well.

Tips for prospective students

I advise prospective students to visit the campus beforehand. Taking a tour can assist greatly in finding out if this school is the right choice for you. You will get to see not only the demographics of the campus, but what the student body is like as a whole.

In three sentences

It is a great school for those majoring in Education or Art. The classes here are challenging, but easy to do well in, due to the available resources on campus. Utilizing the Writing Lab and Tutoring Center will aid in maintaing a high GPA at SUNY New Paltz.

Jessika from Buchanan, NY

Every student has a different definition of fun. Some enjoy going to parties and the bars for fun. Others join clubs and sport teams to have fun on campus.

Food and Dining

The dining hall offers a variety of food. Although it may not compare to a home cooked meal it is decent.

Dorm Life

The dorms are clean and comfortable for the most part. RA staff is kind and friendly making dorm life rather enjoyable.

Academic Rigor

This school has high academic standards. The school work is rigorous. New Paltz is a great place for student who enjoy to be academically challenged.

Tips for prospective students

Go to class every day, pay close attention to the syllabus. Make sure to do homework in a timely manner and study for tests.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is suitable for students who enjoy being academically challenged while also being able to maintain a social life. This quint little town is filled with tons of friendly people not to mention it offers great classes and wonderful professors making it easily a lovable place.

It is a very nice school in a small town in upstate New York. A small school and at first hard to find a good group of kids but once that is established social life is good. Great academics but the school challenges you to challenge yourself.

Sarah from New Paltz, NY

Its safe, I know that I can go out at night and get home fine. With that said please use caution and common sense anyway because crimes happen everywhere.

Greek Life

It's small here but it exists.

Clubs and Activities

We have over a 150 clubs, which includes clubs associated with majors, cultures, and religion, sports clubs, extreme sports language clubs, writing clubs, dance clubs etc. There is a lot for everyone; the problem is not going overboard with it.

So far it's worth going into debt...but that's because I am not paying any of my student loans yet (by that time I'll probably feel a little different because who wants to pay bills?)

What to do for fun

There are programs in dorms, and in the student union, such as BINGO night, water balloon fights, obstacle courses, entertainment (comedians, singers, magicians etc). The town is nice place to go eat, see a movie and have fun, and Poughkeepsie is not too far either. You can spend time in the main lounge and meet new people, in your room with friends etc.

Food and Dining

The Dining Hall is good, not mama's cooking but you'll find the foods that you like. Plus food in town is great in general and there is variety. There is also the Student Union, which has a variety of restaurants in it too, and that food is good too.

Dorm Life

Go for it! It may cost extra but it is worth it, because you meet so many people, get a true college experience, and build great bonds with people

Tips for prospective students

Do not be afraid to get involved, go out of your comfort zone, and to try new things. Be sure to stay out of your room as much as possible! There are so many opportunities, go check them out even if you do not think you'll be interested; you will be surprised at your self.

In three sentences

New Paltz is great! The people here are nice, welcoming and helpful. There are plenty of things to do on campus and in town.

Danielle from Island Park, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Although the New Paltz campus is an open campus, there is always University Police patrolling campus. Also, there are yellow posts with blue lights all over campus, if you press the big red button inside the yellow box on the post the police will come right to you if you need help or someone to walk you back to your dorm at night.

Greek Life

Only about 1% of the students at New Paltz are involved in Greek life, but they're always hosting events and if you add them on Facebook you'll be notified of every one.

Clubs and Activities

There's over 120 clubs. A lot are community service based, but there are a lot of clubs just for fun. For example, Humans Vs Zombies is a club that is just like a giant game of tag with Nerf guns that goes on all over campus. Even if you're not involved, it's fun to watch.

Great for these types of students

Art students, it's a very artsy school, but not weird artsy.

Bang for the buck

New Paltz was definitely the right choice for me. There's always something going on on campus and there's always something to do off campus.

What to do for fun

There's plenty of activities and events that the campus has every night. We go see the improv groups and a capella groups preform, we go to clubs once or twice a week. You can hang out and throw a football around on the quads. As a freshman there's activities on Fridays called Freshman Fridays and those can be a lot of fun and good to meet new people.

Food and Dining

As a freshman we get unlimited visits for the dining hall. It's not grandma's cooking, but it won't kill you. Some dishes are really great, while others aren't so great. The food at the student union is a lot better! There's so many choices; sushi, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, Mexican food and more. You can buy them using hawk dollars or your own money. It's worth it, but you shouldn't spend all your money there!

Dorm Life

I live in Esopus hall and I love it! I'm in the FYI program and everyone here thinks it's for people who have a hard time making friends, but everyone I know who's in the program is extremely friendly. I get along great with my room mate, she's my best friend. Every night we hang out with the people in our hall, it doesn't matter if we're doing homework together or just hanging out. Everyone supports each other with their work or even their personal lives. Everyone is going through the same changes you are so if you have a hard time everyone will be sensitive to your problems! It's like we're a big family!

Academic Rigor

It's college. The work is not that hard, but the work load is definitely a lot more that high school!

Tips for prospective students

New Paltz has become a competitive school because of it's SUNY benefits. Definitely get involved with your school, get good grades and make your application show New Paltz how you're unique.

In three sentences

The campus is absolutely beautiful. Everyone here is so nice and friendly! The town and campus have to much to offer for us and it's very rare that we ever get bored.

Taylor

Reviewer is A current student here.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

New Paltz town cops and Campus Police are literally everywhere. Drugs busts are a normal occurrence, and you can witness a student getting pulled over at least two to three times a week. If you are scared of walking back to your dorm alone at night, there are emergency blue light stations scattered all throughout campus, as well as a number you can call for assistance and company on your return home.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Zombies VS. Humans is probably one of the weirdest things happening around campus. Expect at various times to be walking back from class and suddenly find yourself within a whirlwind of bandana-cladded students and flying nerf gun pellets.

What to do for fun

It is very, VERY difficult to have a good time here if you are not 21 or over, or if you do no posses a fake ID. Bars are the source of campus night life in New Paltz, with Greek life coming in second. House and fraternity parties never really extend past midnight, and cops are constantly raiding the bars. It is almost stressful to go out and enjoy a typical college experience. On campus activities are mundane and childish. Events like make your own rock pet and decorate a pimp cup are laughable, but often times that is a student's only option. There are many clubs and sports to get involved in; it's really just up to your drive and preference. For example, the acapella singing groups around campus are really fun and put on enjoyable weekend shows. These are a nice change of pace in comparison to a night of drinking. When it is nice out in New Paltz, the town is pretty good to walk around and hang out in. Practically every dining establishment on Main Street is incredibly delicious and well-priced. There are a few parks to relax in as well. However, if you want to explore the Rail Trail or the impressive hiking locations around New Paltz and the surrounding cars, they may not be accessible unless you have a car or bike.

Food and Dining

The food here is generally atrocious, and the meal plans do not provide enough options to be nutritionally healthy. There is Hasbrouck, the main and only dining hall, which many students despise. Hasbrouck does provide a constant supply of seasonal fruits and vegetables, which is awesome, but on weekends there is usually an insufficient quantity. Certain days may provide specialized pasta stations, make-your-own-taco nights, and other enjoyable meals. Outside of Hasbrouck are several on-campus fast food institutions that accept dining dollars. Students should expect subs, quesidillas, and other carb-packed meals that will certainly expand your waist size. The sushi bar, however, is surprisingly good and not overly expensive. Jazzman's and other quick coffee cafes are generally reliable and allow students to grab quick meals in between classes.

Dorm Life

The campus is extremely overcrowded. Most dorms house 3 students when they can hardly contain 2. The dorms are old and quite dirty as well, and I have heard rumors of PCBs (dangerous chemicals) that circulate throughout the air in a few of the dorms. One weekend, a girl threw up in a bucket in a bathroom, and the janitors did not touch it for over a week, causing an entire floor to lose their bathroom privileges. Parking is scarce for dorms as well. There are two newer dorms on the south side of the campus that provide larger rooms and air conditioning, but they are socially isolated and quite a distance away from the main academic buildings.

Academic Rigor

Overall, I feel as though I am not challenged enough in my academic classes. For a public school that boasts a low acceptance rate and top-notch academics, it merely disappoints. Professors are usually great with communication, but many of them seem to lack the initiative to really push their students. In one of my classes, I received a perfect score on every single paper I wrote, with the professor only writing one general comment on the first page. Rather than feeling accomplished, I felt mislead; the work seemed pointless. However, it really is up to you to obtain the education you desire. If you ask a professor for extra help or to review your work, the majority are glad to do so. As for my art classes, the professors are very much enthused and give great feedback. It's more of my fellow art classmates that lack inspiration/motivation.

Tips for prospective students

If you are a student looking for a decent education at a rather fair price, then New Paltz may be for you. The college accepts most, if not all of your Advanced Placement credits from high school. This is extremely beneficial in getting your general education requirements out of the way, and could possibly allow you to graduate early. If you are a Communications Disorders or Metals major, I would especially suggest going here because the facilities surrounding these fields are incredible and harbor a wonderful staff. If you are incredibly career driven, you may want to go to a more reputable school in a more career-centered area, such as New York City. Internships around New Paltz are not overwhelmingly influential. I made the mistake of choosing New Paltz because of it's low acceptance rate. I wanted to be surrounded by inspirational, determined, and intelligent classmates. In reality, I met a large number lot of not-so-bright, disinterested students.

In three sentences

SUNY New Paltz is a decent, medium-sized school with an overall friendly and creative atmosphere. However, much of the faculty and student body seem to lack motivation for educational success, and the small-town environment does not provide much room for occupation-prepping experiences.

Tyreke from Bronx, NY

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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In three sentences

This school is diverse and has one of the best student to teacher ratio. The campus is setup in such an amazing area and the rooms are beautiful. This school is most know for its great education program.

Melissa from Long Valley, NJ

I always feel safe, and as far as I know there isn't too much crime here.

Greek Life

There are sororities and fraternities. If that isn't your thing, you won't even notice that they're there, and if you do want to join, the people are pretty cool and the houses are nice.

Clubs and Activities

I have yet to join any clubs, but I have attended several functions on campus and had a blast!

Great for these types of students

The friendly kind with high aspirations and a will to learn.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Awkward hour at Has. It is not exactly a tradition, but it occurs daily; the time when they change the food over from lunch to dinner. Avoid eating between like 3;45 and 5 pm, unless you're just looking for a snack.

Bang for the buck

I am from out of state, so the tuition is a little expensive, but I am sure it will be worth it in the end.

What to do for fun

We hang out, go out, eat and play games! It is a pretty amusing place to be.

Food and Dining

Hasbrouck is usually pretty good, but some things are hit or miss. They have been making improvements. There is a decent selection of food for any type of diet.

Dorm Life

Honestly, I wasn't too sure how much I wanted to love with a bunch of strangers. Living here in a suite on campus though is the best experience I have ever had. The people I have meet here will certainly be my life long friends.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging, but rewarding nonetheless. I really feel like the courses I am enrolled in will help me in my future career and daily life.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit! There is no way to choose a college but to make a trip to it, and a trip here will definitely sell you on attending New Paltz.

In three sentences

The people here are great, the campus is pretty and the classes are informative! I don't even know where begin telling you how much I love it here! New Platz is a very friendly and academically stimulating place.

H from Bronx, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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In three sentences

I must say that the professors in this school are over all very helpful and very welcoming! Once entering the campus you will find yourself in a very welcoming environment. The students are also very accepting of other students, which allows students to fit in and feel at home pretty quickly.

Sara from Port Washington, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I have never felt more safe walking around in the middle of the night. The most dangerous and illegal thing a person in or around New Paltz is likely to do to you is offer a puff of their joint to you, and then say OK, cool when you decline. The crime rate is relatively low, and almost everyone out at night is off on a fun adventure, so you'll never encounter a creeper or anyone who'll do you harm. It's a happy campus and happening little town.

Greek Life

There are some sororities and fraternities around campus, but they are not a huge presence on campus. They're there and active for those who want that kind of experience, but there's no need to join a frat or sorority to have a social life.

Clubs and Activities

There's clubs for everything under the sun here, and if there isn't a club already existing for what you want to do, it's easy to start one of your own. Some of my favorites include Dumbledore's Army, Humans vs Zombies, Live Action Role Play, Swing Club, New Paltz Players, Epic Glee, Miami Theatre Players, Ninja Alliance and Writer's Block, to name a few. There are also plenty of human and civil rights themed clubs, like our Dream Team and the Queer Action Coalition. There's also the Parkour Club and Capture the Flag, as well as many other club sports for those who wish to keep physically active

Great for these types of students

This school is great for moderately self-motivated people who think having a good time is more than just drinking. It's the perfect school for artsy, techie or nerdy kids who didn't fit in to the typical in-crowd in high school, and really anyone else. It's socially accepting of all kinds of people, however, and all that's required of students who don't follow comic books, games or the latest art and theatre trends is to give it all a shot, because who knows, you may like it!

Bang for the buck

Because New Paltz is a SUNY, it's relatively inexpensive, as schools go. But just because it's relatively cheap doesn't mean you lose out on something a more expensive school has to offer! New Paltz offers programs and services that you'd otherwise have to take out a second mortgage for, like research programs that pump out the leading scholars and scientists of tomorrow, and a Theatre program whose recent graduates include several network tech executives and one Tony Award winning lighting design assistant. For 16-20 thousand a year, that's pretty impressive!

What to do for fun

There's plenty of fun places to go and things to do around campus. When you're not fighting people with NERF guns or swing dancing, you can hike on Mohonk Mountain or walk the Rail Trail, or even just go exploring in the woods south of the main campus buildings. There's also a dance club and plenty of parties for those interested, and dances on campus for those who prefer less drink in their dance. And no matter what, someone's always going on an adventure and looking for a friend to join them, and someone's always hosting a movie night they'd love for you to come to, so you're never lacking in social opportunities.

Food and Dining

There's plenty of delicious food, on and off campus. Hasbrouck, the main dining hall and the all-you-can-eat buffet, is a fantastic place to meet people over food, and when you're ready for something new, Hawk Street Station downstairs serves delicious, made-to-order pasta and paninis in the evenings, as does Backstage Cafe in the afternoons. There are dozens of fantastic cafes and coffee shops on and off campus, and plenty of inexpensive restaurants within 5-10 minutes walking distance of campus. Personally, I highly recommend the Bakery -- they make the most delicious Reuben I've ever tasted, and they're easy on the wallet too!

Dorm Life

Your dorm experience here is completely determined by where you are. There are plenty of programs for residents in each dorm (like macaroni art, condom casinos and Super Bowl parties), but some are more populated than others; likewise, there's more of a sense of community in some dorms than others. If you're looking for it, however, you will find strong dorm spirit wherever you land. I didn't get too far into that myself, but I know very happy and very lovely people who did, so you'd be in good company!

Academic Rigor

New Paltz hits a nice balance in academics. Nobody will ever have you taking a harder class than you're willing to take, but there are plenty of more challenging classes for those who wish to take them. Your workload is completely determined by your own interests in that way. This does mean that, in order to get the most out of college here, you need to be self-motivated, but one would think a little self motivation would be necessary at any college, so in the long run it's nothing to worry about. What's most important to me at least is that New Paltz offers the freedom to let your motivation take you in any of a number of academic and extracurricular directions.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be nervous! Nobody here will EVER judge you! And don't worry about your grades. If you're applying, all your grades do is get you past the first round. Not everyone who's here came in with an impressive transcript, but they did all have passion for something, whether they were studying it or not, and that shone through in their essay and extracurricular resume. That's what the Admissions people here are looking for -- passion.

In three sentences

I love everything New Paltz has to offer. You have a wealth of academic and research opportunities, a rich cultural and social scene, and plenty of fantastic food all around. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an artsy or geek-friendly campus, and anyone looking for a good, rewarding time in college.

Hannah from Beacon, NY

New Paltz is a very artistic community, but you don't have to be the next Picasso to feel at home. A good place to discover who you really are and meet people doing the same.

Food and Dining

The main dining hall on campus has improved greatly over the past year, but it's still not amazing. That said, you can get some really delicious meals at just about any other campus dining location. And if you just don't like campus food, there are plenty of great restaurants in town.

Dorm Life

I met some of my best friends in my residence hall. Every hall has a slightly different personality. Esopus houses a lot of freshman, Lenape is home to the Honors Program students. Most athletes live in Gage or Bliss. There are both suite-style and traditional corridor-style halls, and freshman are able to live anywhere.

Academic Rigor

I haven't taken too many upper-division courses yet, but those that I have taken are challenging without being inaccessible. Professors are more than happy to talk after class, during lab, or during their office hours if you need clarification or have questions about their department.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour and ASK QUESTIONS! The tour guides are super-nice and won't think that your question is stupid or weird, and they understand that choosing a school is hard. The more questions you ask, the more information you have and knowledge is power. Talk to an admissions counselor if you feel unsure or have specific questions. Students who take the initiative to set up an interview are always appreciated.

There are some events on campus at the Terrace and Student Union Building. Joining Intramural sports was also a great time. Mostly students tend to go off campus and into town for fun. The Rail Trail and Mohonk are a must explore!

Food and Dining

I know that college dining is not meant to be anything special but I personally have trouble with food on campus. I'm a vegetarian and I'm picky so I may not be the best person to judge on this issue.

Dorm Life

My first experience in the dorm buildings was not all too welcoming. I ended up in the athletes dorms with mostly upperclassmen. My second year was so much better and I suggest Capen Hall to anyone and everyone!

Academic Rigor

I do not particularly consider the academics here too challenging but I have enjoyed almost all of my classes and professors. I have had a lot of work and reading in my classes but nothing beyond my abilities.

Tips for prospective students

I would suggest that you look into the dorm building you live in. I had two very different experiences in two very different buildings.

In three sentences

New Paltz is a certainly a funky school and area. If you hopped into a time machine and typed in 1960s it would you bring you to present day New Paltz and completely fool you. The atmosphere here is very positive and accepting.

Lana from Brooklyn, NY

Campus is extremely safe. There is very little to worry about at any time of day or night.

Clubs and Activities

Two thumbs up for club and student organization activities. Join a student organization if you can! It will be very enriching.

Great for these types of students

New Paltz is great for open and friendly people. There are people of every race, ethincity, sexuality and spirituality here. Its a great place to melt in the pot!

Bang for the buck

You can get whatever experience you want out of college. For that reason, I say that New Paltz is a very worth the experience.

What to do for fun

Yoga classes are really great to take it your free time! Also exploring the town, or the mountains and rivers is really fun. Definitely take hikes, go rock climbing, and swim in the lakes (not the wallkill river)!

Food and Dining

The on-campus food is not ideal, but that is coming from some who is vegan that prefers organic and local food. If you enjoy fried junk food, on-campus food is the way to go. However, they do have some vegan/ vegetarian friendly options. The off campus food is great and there are many different options.

Dorm Life

If you enjoy cooking and living in a unsupervised environment, dorm life is not ideal. However, living on campus can be a safe and comfortable experience.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the teacher, a class could either be really hard or really easy. On average, the professors are engaging and the workload is not too intense.

Tips for prospective students

Join a student organization to stay involved and meet new people.

In three sentences

New Paltz is an open and diverse community that is ripe with opportunity. The campus is beautiful and there are many great student organizations, which can help you to meet like-minded people. Its academics are average, although there are some really amazing professors here!

In the beginning of the year and towards the end of the year campus holds so many different barbeques to celebrate its students as well as the nice weather. We also have performances from people such as Nas and Wale.

Bang for the buck

The town is just awesome! Everyone here is nice and very open. Everyone is also unique in their own way and people are very unlikely to judge you.

What to do for fun

Town is always a hot place to be at night. During the day I spend my time lounging on the quad or at the gym either working or working out. The gym is always a great place to meet people and make friends! I'm also a member of the cheerleading team. Go Hawks!

Food and Dining

Most people on campus dread Hasbrouck Dining Hall, but personally I love it. It is a buffet with so many choices. The Sub is okay, but the food is kind of fattening. I love Oscars but once again you have to make healthy choices to stay healthy.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is okay as long you get the right RAs and RDs. Some of them are unjust. Dubois and Gage are definitely the best halls to live in!

Academic Rigor

Classes here are pretty hard, but as long as you put the time in you will have no problem succeeding.

Tips for prospective students

Come in with an open mind and an open mouth. Don't be afraid to speak out for what you believe in. With hard work, dedication, and good time management skills you can handle being part of an organization, working part-time, having fun, and still getting a high GPA.

In three sentences

New Paltz is an excellent environment for diverse students. Everyone here is unique in their own way, which I love. Each group of friends is like its own Breakfast Club, where the strangest people just mesh and form lasting friendships.

Kelly from New Rochelle, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are many places that are dark and creepy, especially by the south side dorms (Esopus and Lenape) since they are right by the woods. The campus police aren't around too much, but I guess they come around when you need them.

Clubs and Activities

There are many different clubs on campus, there's a club for everybody.

Great for these types of students

Art lovers, education majors, diverse, unique people.

What to do for fun

There are a bunch of bars in town, it's fun for upperclassman. For freshman, there are a bunch of programs and fun lectures on campus.

Food and Dining

There are different food places on campus. Freshman have an unlimited meal plan that grants them access to Hasbrouck Dining Hall as many times a day as they please.

Dorm Life

With 13 dorms to choose from, it's fun to go room-shopping and see where one wants to live.

In three sentences

It's a diverse school, full of all kinds of people. The professors are generally concerned about their students' academics and well-being. Set in a small town, New Paltz is good school for students who want a quality education.

Ekene-Maria from Walden, NY

the campus is very safe, campus police is very helpful and emergency phones are widely available on campus. also taxi services are available for students who don't feel safe walking late at night

Clubs and Activities

new paltz has a diversity of clubs to meet everybody's needs and it is easy for students to start their own clubs if the wish.

Great for these types of students

liberals, environmentalist, gypsies, new paltz is also great for students who are into nature hikes and mountain climbing. lots of farms in the area so seasonal fruits like apples and strawberries can be bought literally farm fresh at fair prices.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the clock tower is automated, the business building is very far away from most of the other buildings on campus but, there is a park across from it that is great for relaxing during warm weather. the school also has annual concerts with stars like gym class heroes, nas, and wale that are free for students. the view of the mohonk mountains is amazing from the 10th floor of the jft.

What to do for fun

its a party every night, frequent mountain trips are offered year long. in the fall there's apple picking and strawberries in the summer time. ultimate frisbee and handball clubs. movie theater

Food and Dining

food on campus is good and diverse except in hasbrouck dining hall. freshmen have a mandatory hasbrouck meal plan for the first semester. but improvements are in the works for hasbrouck and alternative meal plans for first semester freshmen.

Dorm Life

off-campus student, but from my friends who live on campus i've heard that its best to choose suite style dorms because the bathrooms are cleaner. there aren't any curfews for the dorms and residence are allowed to have overnight guest as long as they check them in.

Academic Rigor

you get what you put in. if you study hard and put in the time and effort required to get an a you'll get it. some professors might seem very easy at first but they know what they what and expect it from you, even if they don't say it. so once again office hours are you friend!

Tips for prospective students

come with an open mind. don't be afraid of your professors, they are there to help and have office hours for a reason. bring your sense of adventure, you can always discover something new and interesting at new paltz.

In three sentences

new paltz is frequently ranked as one of the best small state universities in the country. it boasts a highly trained intellectual faculty with many years of experience in their fields. the neighboring community is very friendly and open to people from a diversity of backgrounds.

Kristin from Sayville, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

new paltz is a very safe campus, there are blue lights set up every few feet with a telephone inside in case of emergency. there is an escort service available as well if you do not feel comfortable. the police station is located right on campus and they are very helpful.

Greek Life

there are many sororities and fraternities at new paltz each containing unique qualities. there is a jewish fraternity that hosts events and fundraisers. there are many types of sororities and fraternities depending on what one is looking for, ranging from academic to religious.

Clubs and Activities

this has to be new paltz's strongest point. there is an extensive amount of clubs ranging from crochet/knitting to fencing. there are many activities offered through the gym such as skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, trapeze, and the list goes on.

Great for these types of students

its great for students of all walks of life. new paltz offers a great study abroad program so if you are itching for an adventure you should go abroad from new paltz. specifically, new paltz has a strong artistic community with many talented artists, poets, and musicians.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

new paltz has annual festivals such as rock against racism where crafters sell their crafts on the quad of the school while musicians play on a stage. there is also a big musical performance at night which has very popular musicians, for example last year the rapper nas preformed. also the regional poetry slam is held at new paltz and its a great competition of listening to people pour their hearts out.

Bang for the buck

while the tuition rises it becomes difficult for people to attend state collages, however if one is going to spend any kind of money they should choose new paltz. i was having trouble paying for school so i took out student loans. even though the tuition is high i would not choose another college.

What to do for fun

there are always events occurring on and off campus, it is almost impossible to not find something going on. new paltz is known for our regional poetry slams, musical performances and there is also an art gallery on campus. the gym offers great classes such as yoga and belly dancing and they are free for students to attend as much as they would like.

Food and Dining

there are 3 meal plans that students can choose from, and they depend on which dining place one prefers to eat at. hasbrouck dining hall offers an all you can eat buffet-style cuisine and a small vegetarian/vegan section. the sub has many options for different cuisines ranging from sushi to mexican.

Dorm Life

dorm life is a great way to meet others and become involved. the ras in each building put great effort into letting students know of upcoming events. ras are normally very nice and are always helpful, you can go talk to them at any point in the day or the week.

Academic Rigor

as an art major i feel the faculty at new paltz will work with students one-on-one for optimal understanding. if a student if confused or unsure, there is always the option of going to office hours that all teachers provide. there are many classes to choose from in each major, and with my personal experience i feel that i am receiving the best education i can.

Tips for prospective students

become involved in the many activities new paltz offers. there is an extensive range of clubs offered with people welcoming you to try them all. new paltz really knows how to make people feel comfortable.

In three sentences

the state university of new york at new paltz has a welcoming environment and its students and faculty are truly unique. i feel that teachers take time out of their schedules specifically for helping students. the culture the school embraces is friendly and there are opportunities for everyone to become involved and meet others.

Shauna

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

University Police is everywhere. There are also a lot of blue lights, but really it's a very safe area in a nice little town. Me and the people I know haven't had any issues. We are alerted of any possible threats over a cell phone text system called NP Alert that we have to sign up for during orientation.

Greek Life

It exists, but it's not big. If you want to join, it's absolutely an option. You wont see big house with letters in front of them or anything like that. Not all of them even have houses.

Clubs and Activities

there is a ton of clubs, and if there isnt one youre interested in, you can start one pretty easily as long as you have other people who are interested.

Great for these types of students

Art Students, Hipster-y Types, People Who Like to Ride a Long Board to Class.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have an all glass structure in our Student Union Building called the Atrium, and it's great! It's awesome if you like to do work in natural light, even on a cloudy day. It's kind of like the one they have outside the Louvre in Paris.

Bang for the buck

New Paltz currently is #2 Top Affordable Colleges with High Return on Investment in the entire country. It's highly ranked for Affordability through US News and Princeton Review. It makes the top 10 pretty much every year.

What to do for fun

The town of New Paltz was ranked as one of the Top Adventure towns in America. And it was no mistake. AMAZING hiking! if you are an outdoorsy type, this is your school. We are right on the Shawgunk Mountain Range, so we have a few areas for hiking right nearby! Another cool thing we have is the Rail Trail which is an easy, flat hiking trail that runs along the Wallkill River that is right in town, walking distance from campus.

Food and Dining

The on campus food is not great to be honest. But don't let that deter you from New Paltz. If you want to eat good, head into town, there are so many amazing restaurants and such. The best thing about New Paltz is probably the surrounding area. The campus is right in town so you can walk right to main street to get lunch after class! I moved off campus so I wouldn't have to have a meal plan on campus anymore.

Dorm Life

Residence Life is pretty good as a freshman. Pretty much all the students live on campus as freshman. My recommendation is to live in Esopus, but don't do FYI (First Year Initiative- a weird program for freshman that takes up a lot of your time for no reason). I lived there two years ago, and I had a great time. It was a pretty new building, my room was huge, and it had air conditioning. There are TONS of bathrooms in the hallways, so even though its corridor style, you don't share a bathroom with your whole floor or wing- just a few people. The benefit is that you get a bathroom that is cleaned for you while also only sharing with a few people. It was pretty easy to meet friends there because 90% of the people in the building were also freshman who didn't know anyone. Most sophomores live on campus in the suites with friends they choose. It puts you and all your friends' rooms in their own area like an apartment (don't get your hopes up, theres no kitchen) where you share a living room type thing and a bathroom. It's pretty fun! Most people move off campus junior and senior year. Living costs are pretty much the same, but the food is way better and cheaper. You can live anywhere you want apartment wise, but don't live in Southside, and don't rent from Leonard Loza.

Academic Rigor

Depends on what you're studying. Some of our programs are pretty intense (Engineering, Art, Business, for example) and take a lot of effort and focus to do, which I feel in my third year has me very prepared for graduation.

Tips for prospective students

VISIT!!! I know way too many people who just signed up to attend a school for 4 years without knowing what they were signing up for. these are often the people who end up needing to transfer or don't get what they want or need out of their college experience. This is your life. Be as involved in the process as you can afford to be. And something more specific to New Paltz is APPLY EARLY TO AVOID BEING TRIPLED. I applied in October for Early Action, which is non binding. This guaranteed that I would only have to share a room with one other person, as opposed to being tripled, which is when they have 3 people living in a room intended for 2 people (Theres 3 beds though! and it costs less money)

In three sentences

New Paltz is a great place to go to school. It's in a great location, and has amazing art programs if you are looking to get a BFA for a great price. It's a university, but has a strong community of art students that you would get if you had attended a strictly art school.

Kelsey

campus police is pretty good. never been any serious problems on campus, and if there have, campus police has been there to stop it.

Greek Life

some frats and sororities, but they're mostly unaccredited.

Clubs and Activities

some clubs are great, but many are inclusive and tough to fit in to.

Great for these types of students

hippies and hipsters. seriously, people who go to new paltz generally were meant to be born in the 60's.

Bang for the buck

better priced than most schools, but i think it's still a little pricey for what they offer.

What to do for fun

there is virtually nothing to do in the town of new paltz. the town consists of a few restaurants, some head shops and that's about it. there is the new paltz loop that can take you into town, but again there's almost nothing to do. the closest mall is over 30 minutes away, and it's a ghost town almost all the time. unless you're a big partier, you're kind of out of options. the only other thing i would recommend are some clubs. i really enjoy dumbledore's army (the on campus harry potter fan club) and miami theatre players that do shows available to anyone.

Food and Dining

as a first semester freshman, you are only allowed to have a hasbrouck only dining plan. as nice as it is to have unlimited meals, the dining hall gets old quickly. the food is not bad, but after a while, you just want something else. there are quite a few on campus options that are not hasbrouck, but you'll have to use hawk dollars or your $50 dining dollars. the food on campus other than the dining hall is surprisingly great! the other cool thing about your hawk dollars is that there are buisnesses around town that will take hawk dollars as payment (ie subway or la bella pizzeria).

Dorm Life

dorms are alright, not the worst i've seen, but they are fairly dirty, even after they've been cleaned. god help you if you live in a triple. not only is it one extra person to deal with, but when there are 3 desks, 3 dressers and 2 closets in a room that is meant two, it's really crowded and it gets old fast.

Academic Rigor

the gen ed's are exactly what they say they are, general. they are tailored for all grade levels, so they aren't horribly challenging. classes can also be slightly harder or easier based on your professor. not the most academically challenging school.

Tips for prospective students

look at the course catalog! i can't stress enough how important it is for you to really make sure that the school you choose (new paltz or otherwise) has your major and enough classes in that major to keep you there. i made that mistake.

In three sentences

extremely rural surroundings, with little to do around town. huge party school with lots of smoking, drinking and drugs. not receommended for potential theatre students- not a strong program, and unpleasant people and professors; good for general education though.

Shannon from Port Jefferson Station, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The campus is such a great place for students who are somewhat artistic, whether through music or painting, photography, or just sitting outside and enjoying the outdoors. The school may not be for everyone, but it is a great choice for those interested in majoring in Art, Education, Engineering, etc. There are many clubs and organizations at SUNY New Paltz, including a sexual orientation equality club, and the campus community takes the principle of diversity very seriously, there are students of nearly every ethnic background and language here. There can be health benefits at New Paltz? Yes! If the student has a breathing problem, such as Reactive Airway Disease or Asthma, the air near the mountains helps relieve the coughing fits, I hardly need to use my inhalers now. Never fear of the freshman 15, as every first year will be walking, jogging, skateboarding, biking, or roller blading everywhere, and there is a HUGE extremely equipped gym on campus.

Tips for prospective students

A female first-year's top most needed items for college: a printer, sunglasses, rain boots, umbrella, a well stocked first aid kit, and hand sanitizer. A printer should be in your room, simply because at 11pm you want the luxury to print an assignment off of Blackboard Learn, and not walk across the dark campus to the [possibly closed] library. And each student,or room, should have a First Aid kit, with some Pepto Bismol, for the first two weeks of transitioning from great home-cooked food to what is served in Hasbrouck Dining Hall. Trust my roommate and I, the Pepto Bismol and medical gloves will be needed, especially when one of you gets sick in the room. Bring some spending money, for those weekends where you don't feel like eating the small selection of food served only on the weekends in the dining hall.

Bang for the buck

I love the pricing of the tuition, but the textbook costs are making my wallet cry. Some professors, especially for lab courses (mainly in the sciences) require the newest, most expensive textbooks. As long as the student has enough water, snacks, and cold-cuts in the room, they are set for dorm life. The town of New Paltz has a UCAT LOOP bus, free for New Paltz students with a valid ID card. This bus is so wonderful, it drops you off near the grocery stores, by the banks, pharmacies, etc.

Am enjoying being here

I currently live in Gage Hall, and it is such a nice building, with TWO laundry rooms, and elevator, and multiple lounges. The town is so close, and there is a Starbucks Coffee shop around the corner from the academic buildings. Certain dorm halls should be a last choice for most normal, non-partying freshmen, or first-years as SUNY New Paltz calls us. The halls ought to be last choice because of the odors or extremely small laundry rooms, like Shango or Scudder. When looking for a building to live in, check the campus maps! This should heavily impact your choice, consider if you want to be able to run to class in 5 minutes, or would you like to be near Hasbrouck Dining Hall?

Am learning a lot

Here at New Paltz, there are definitely teachers you can either learn tons from or nothing from. We are taught using SmartBoard technology, and online with Blackboard Learn. In my first year, and first semester, at New Paltz we got hit with Hurricane Irene. The mail room, administration, and book store buildings had their basements flooded--we could not access them for more than one week. The flooding caused the campus' Wi-Fi and Internet to fail, and the dorms were without cable. Our classes were cancelled for 3-4 days, simply because the professors could not teach off of the Internet. Though the professors teach off the Internet, the majority of them do a great job maneuvering on the Smart Boards and on the new technology, though the older professors have some issues.

Victoria from North Bellmore, NY

People who can effectively manage their studying time. Those who are not so into sports and athletics (since it isn't a big part of the campus, but it is definitely there).

Tips for prospective students

Freshman year is a very important time to start getting involved. I made the mistake of not joining many clubs or venturing to see what the school has to offer. There are so many student organizations that they definitely have something for everyone.

Bang for the buck

Room and board is a little expensive, but you almost have to expect that from any school. If in state the overall tuition isn't horrible, but if out of state if will do damage in the money area.

Am enjoying being here

The town is very enjoyable. There is a lot to do if you own a car or have another mode of transportation. Personally, I don't have a car and the town and the areas within walking distance can become boring very quickly.

Am learning a lot

The classes that are offered here are definitely different from your basic high school classes. They allow students to really explore topics they may have never heard of before. The professors I have encountered so far are pretty knowledgeable in their fields and from my experience many hold PhD's which is a positive thing.

Natalie from Ossining, NY

artsy, hippy, non-homophobic, and even if you are not this kind of kid, after a year here, you will be a total hippy.

Tips for prospective students

make sure you look well rounded and write a kick-ass essay. join clubs, do sports, get an internship or take college credits while in high school, do things that make you stand out an a good college candidate

Bang for the buck

prices keep increasing on tuition but it is still a SUNY and you get a great education

Am enjoying being here

so much better than SUNY Oneonta!!! I live off campus and i love where i live and my friends here but school is sometimes a terror to go through

Am learning a lot

depending on the teacher and the effort you put it, is what you get out of it. i have had teachers i loved but more often than not, it is a struggle to go to classes. some you learn more than others

Winona from Brooklyn, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

This school is for students who are still deciding on what they want to do. It is also a school for students who already know too. It is also for students who like nature because there are a lot of beautiful scenic places. Basically it is a school suited for anyone and everyone.

Tips for prospective students

This school may be confusing at first, but what campus isn't. The people are extremely friendly and outgoing. You don't have to worry if you don't have a major in mind yet, because most students don't. Many change their major at least once during their college career.

Bang for the buck

For what we pay, I would like to get more out of it but seeing that tuition is rising in all colleges, it seems fair. The cost of the food and the things sold at the book store are fairly priced.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is small which makes it easier to meet people. It's very cozy side of campus and the town outside is so cute. I have grown to love the campus and the people.

Am learning a lot

Since New Paltz is a liberal art school, there are so many different subjects and things you can learn here. New Paltz offers many classes and students are free to take whatever they want to.

Current New Paltz Student

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Bang for the buck

It's good. It's a state school and it's really good for out-of-state students... it has been nationally recognized for its value. Tuition-wise, it's great. However, they raise prices of room and board without warning which is incredibly unfair.

Am enjoying being here

It's a pleasant area and a pleasant campus.

Am learning a lot

I feel as if I were more challenged in high school than here in college. For many majors, classes are offered in a specific sequence, making it hard to rearrange things and take a wide variety of courses.

Marian from Brooklyn, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

New Paltz has a mellow atmosphere to the extent where some classes are taken outside on warmer days. This school is ideal for students looking to go into the Arts. The town is only a short walking distance and the area nearby provide lots of outdoor activities such as snowboarding and hiking trails.

Brianna from Wappingers Falls, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

New Paltz is great if you are not a transfer student. I have to drive 40 minutes every morning because they don't offer any campus housing for us. The commute also makes it much easier to miss class when things like blizzards come in to play. New Paltz seems to not care about it's transfer students.

Tips for prospective students

My suggestion is that if you plan on being a transfer student, apply early and MAYBE you can get a dorm, if that is what you wish to do. Also, make sure you go into orientation knowing what you need to take for the most part. As far as freshman go, I think you will have a very good time if you can live on or close to campus.

Bang for the buck

SUNY New Paltz was rated 36th out of 100 on Kiplinger's BEST VALUE schools. You will get everything you pay for. State schools will always be cheaper than private schools and they are definitely a good way to go, considering you still get a stellar education.

Am enjoying being here

I am enjoying New Paltz, for the most part. However, being a transfer student is a very unpleasant experience. First of all, there is no on campus housing if you transfer from another school. You have to find your own apartment or commute from home if you live close enough. Second, making my schedule at orientation was a nightmare. The majority of the classes had filled and there was no one on one advising. It was hard to know exactly what you needed to take, and even if you did know, the class probably was full. They were able to put me in some full classes, but they will not do that for certain courses, such as Psychology courses. Also, parking for commuters is much further than parking for residents and faculty/staff. The people here are very friendly, and there is a 2:1 ratio of residents to commuters, so fitting in is not extremely hard. The professors and staff are also very helpful.

Am learning a lot

This is my first semester at New Paltz and I do feel like I am learning a lot. It's a liberal arts college, so there is a great variety of choices of classes to suit you. My professors are all very intelligent and have great styles of teaching, so it's not just sitting in a lecture an hour every day. For my art class we actually take field trips to local museums. There is a lot of hand on work, not just listening to a lecture, which, in my opinion, makes for a better learning experience.

Shannon from Baldwin, NY

Anybody, I have met all types of people here. Anyone you can or cannot categorize is here.

Tips for prospective students

Come visit us! There are great tours, and if you apply and get accepted there is an accepted students tour in April (which I attended last year and where I fell in love with the school).

Bang for the buck

I took a lot of college courses while in high school and new paltz took all of them, so that is saving me a lot. It is a SUNY so its priced about the same as the rest of them I do believe. College is still expensive no matter where you go so if you're going to go SUNY check out New Paltz!

Am enjoying being here

The town is great (during the day, at night if you aren't 21 the bars aren't where you're going to go). The people here are nice, its a liberal art school.

Am learning a lot

I love the professors I have gotten, I believe that I have learned a lot in my first semester here.

Study hard, have fun once in a while, and be open to new opportunities and people.

Bang for the buck

SUNY New Paltz is a state university. So it is more afforable than private universities. New Paltz has many organizations and programs that help students, especially first year students, manage with college life.

Am enjoying being here

I do enjoy being in New Paltz. The people are very kind. The town is quiet and peaceful. Its much different from what I am use to, being from the city.

Am learning a lot

I have learned a lot from this school. In high school I did not study much and got good grades. In college I have had to change my routine. Now I have to study.

Cristina from White Plains, NY

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 10 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

The school is good for students who are not vegetarian/vegan and who don't have mobility impairment. I would also assume it's good for science/math students because it is necessary for those subjects to be extremely structured unlike art.

Tips for prospective students

Regarding School of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Though most people don't know this, at New Paltz is possible to make up your own major. For example, I was originally a spanish major with an Italian minor and I wanted to study french so I created a Contract Major in Romance Languages. Your adviser may try and steer you away from doing this but don't let them put you down. If you decide to create your own major in what ever subject you choose, I would suggest working with the Associate Dean Dr. Lynn Spangler; she's very supportive. Regarding School of Fine and Performing Art: New Paltz is a seeming liberal town/university with a very big art program. One would think it's a great place for art students who are on a budget and don't want to give up a liberal arts education, but it really depends on what your goals are. Take the Painting Department for instance: very strict, very difficult to get into the BFA painting program(limited studio space), bad attitudes toward illustrative work, work is almost exclusively done in oil. Basically, don't come here if you have thoughts in the back of your head of eventually becoming an illustrator, because it won't fly here. There's only one water color class, and it doesn't teach control of the medium, again-big focus on oil. The good thing is if you get into the BFA program for painting you get your own studio space which is extremely rare especially for undergraduate school. If you're interested in Metals: while visiting the school faculty may lead you to think that though uncommon, students are able to work on a large scale as opposed to jewelry-don't buy it. Furthermore, the BFA program is not very interdisciplinary at all. You choose one art form and pretty much stick with it. It is also nearly impossible to get a BFA in four years, especially if you have other majors/minors. As far as art history goes, don't plan on being an Art History major if your interested in art other than European, Greek, Roman and American art. there is an extremely limited number of art history courses offered in subjects other than these, but they are very flexible with transferring other courses from study abroad etc. Regarding Campus Life: If you have mobility impairment I would not suggest coming to New Paltz. I live in Capen, an accessible dorm: there is no elevator and the kitchen is on the 3rd floor. Hasbrouck Dining Hall is no better: If you use a wheelchair you need to use the backdoor entrance and take an extra long trip to get there(there are stairs leading to the front door of the dining hall and then there is another set of stairs from the entrance upstairs to get to the food). Downstairs from Hasbrouck there is a food court that is open late at night. In order to get inside with a wheel chair you need to go through the back entrance/through the kitchen which ironically has the most nauseating odor. In addition, during the winter, the maintenance crew does a terrible job clearing ice on the walk ways on campus, which makes it very easy to slip and fall/ have your wheel chair go out of control. There is a Disability Resource Center on campus but they only do so much.

Bang for the buck

I know New Paltz is a state university and is cheaper than private schools, but including books (and if your an art major, art materials), living money, fees, etc it comes out to nearly 20,000/year: so I expect to get a good education from this place... Unfortunately it's rare to get a professor who really knows how to teach. Sometimes i wonder why I am paying my professor's salaries when they have not taught me one thing the entire semester. This especially goes for a few professors in the Italian and Spanish Departments. Campus food is extremely overpriced. It is mandatory to have a meal plan if you live on campus. The food is absolutely repulsive and not at all nutritious--if your a vegetarian/vegan you will probably become anemic(I speak from experience).

Am enjoying being here

I am pretty indifferent about attending this school. I do not like living in the dorm though- it's dirty and loud, and the professors aren't the best. What I do like about the school is its proximity to the mountains. There are a lot of State Parks and there are a lot of very beautiful places to swim and hike when it's warm. I like that it's away from the city, but at the same time it takes very little effort to get there. I also like having the great study abroad opportunities.

Am learning a lot

The statement I am learning a lot at SUNY New Paltz is really a hit or miss depending on who your professor is. I have learned a lot from some professors, but I truly feel that other courses were an utter waste of time. If you suspect your professor doesn't know what they are doing after a few days of class, I suggest dropping it right away and adding a different one.

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